Side dish: Merida, Mulan and Red

In the episodes “The Bear and the Bow,” and “The Bear King,” Merida’s story was front and center. In a battle against a mysterious foe (Arthur), Merida’s father died. Merida’s brothers were kidnapped by members of the other clans who doubted her ability and right to rule. They wanted to exchange her brothers’ lives for her crown. Her plan was to rescue them while keeping her royal status. Along her way, she ran into Emma, who almost killed her, then ended up captive in Arthur’s dungeon.

After Merlin was freed from the tree, he went with the gang to spring Lancelot from his cell. While they were there, they set Merida free as well. Without much choice, Merida accompanied them, at least until she could kidnap Belle and then beg for her help. In an odd turn of events, Belle helped Merida find the old witch’s hut, which was guarded by a wolf. It was really Red trapped in wolf form, but no worries, Mulan changed her back.

In the end, Merida is successful and is crowned queen with the support of the clans. Belle returns to Camelot. Mulan was not sure what to do next, still recovering from her unrequited love of Auroa, so Ruby invited her to accompany her on her quest to find her pack. As they walked off, the audience was left wondering if this would finally be the LGBT co-creators Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis have been teasing. It would certainly make many fans happy, and according to Bustle, it may be the happy we need to balance Emma and Hook’s troubled relationship. It was even suggested that their ship could be called MulanRouge!